From the Research
Enoxaparin and Thrombocytosis
- Enoxaparin, a low molecular weight heparin, has been reported to cause thrombocytosis in some cases, although it is a rare adverse reaction 1, 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that enoxaparin can induce reactive thrombocytosis, which is characterized by an increase in platelet count following administration of the drug 1, 2.
- A case report published in the Thrombosis journal described a patient who developed enoxaparin-associated thrombocytosis, which was completely resolved after treatment cessation 1.
- Another study published in the Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology reported a case of enoxaparin-induced reactive thrombocytosis in a patient with acute coronary syndrome 2.
- A prospective multicenter trial on the efficacy and safety of enoxaparin in the prevention of postoperative thromboembolism found that postoperative platelet count increased slightly but statistically significantly in most cases, with some patients experiencing thrombocytosis above 600 G/l 3.
Incidence and Risk Factors
- The incidence of enoxaparin-induced thrombocytosis is not well established, but it is considered a rare adverse reaction 1, 2.
- Risk factors for thrombocytosis associated with enoxaparin are not well defined, but it has been reported to occur in patients with neoplasms, excessive perioperative blood loss, and transfusions 3.
- Newborn infants may be at risk of thrombocytosis associated with enoxaparin, although there are no reported cases to date 4.
Clinical Implications
- Enoxaparin-induced thrombocytosis should be suspected in patients with thrombocytosis following enoxaparin administration as an anticoagulant to prevent certain complications 1, 2.
- Close monitoring of blood counts is essential following enoxaparin injection to detect potential thrombocytosis 2.
- Further studies are needed to identify the cause of enoxaparin-induced thrombocytosis and to determine the clinical implications of this rare adverse reaction 1, 2, 3.